Cape Town packs mountains, beaches, penguins, wine country and 350 years of history into one small peninsula. Most visitors only have a few days, so here's a local's short list of the best things to do in Cape Town — and the easiest way to do each one.
1. Go up Table Mountain
The flat-topped mountain is the city's icon and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The rotating cable car takes about five minutes to the summit, where paths loop around the plateau with views over Table Bay, Robben Island and the Atlantic. Go early on a clear, still day — the cableway closes in high wind.
Easiest way: our Half-Day Table Mountain & City Tour combines a guided walk through the Bo-Kaap and District Six with your pre-booked cable car ticket, in a group of no more than seven.
2. See the penguins at Boulders Beach and drive to Cape Point
A full day around the Cape Peninsula is the classic Cape Town day trip: the fishing harbour at Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, the Cape of Good Hope and the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town.
Easiest way: the Cape Peninsula Day Tour runs in a 13-seater minibus with hotel pickup — or book the whole vehicle for your own group.
3. Walk the Bo-Kaap
The colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap are the most photographed street scene in the city, but the real story is the Cape Malay community who have lived here for centuries. Walk it with someone who can tell that story.
Easiest way: the two-hour Bo-Kaap & City Walking Tour continues down Long Street, through Greenmarket Square and on to District Six.
4. Taste wine without leaving town
South Africa's oldest wine region, Constantia, is twenty minutes from the city centre — and there are working urban wineries in the city itself.
Easiest way: a Constantia Wine Valley tour with pickup and tasting fees included, or the Urban Wine & History Tasting Walk through the city centre (18+).
5. Discover Cape Town's street art
Woodstock and Salt River are open-air galleries of murals by local and international artists — a side of the city most visitors miss.
Easiest way: the Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour starts at the Old Biscuit Mill.
6. Head out to the Winelands
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are under an hour away, with Cape Dutch towns and some of the country's best-known estates. It's a day where nobody should be driving.
Easiest way: a private vehicle with your own guide-driver for up to five guests, or the 14-seater for groups of up to thirteen — one price for the whole group.
Getting around
Cape Town International is about 25 minutes from the city centre. A private airport transfer with meet-and-greet in arrivals costs from R1 250 for the whole car. If you want somewhere central to stay, our own Vintage Jam apartment sits on Greenmarket Square, walking distance from Long Street.
Want it planned for you?
Tell us your dates and what you love, and we'll put together a private itinerary — airport pickup, day tours and guides in one clear quote. Message us on WhatsApp; we reply personally, usually within a few hours.
